Port development threatens New Forest

13 September 2000

A planned major new container port was announced today which threatens the natural beauty, wildlife and tranquillity of the New Forest¹, which is due to become the first new National Park of the new millennium.

The national charity the Council for National Parks² (CNP) fears the huge cranes, concrete and heavy lorries would have a serious impact on the special qualities of the Forest. The development would fall within the draft National Park boundary being proposed by the Countryside Agency.

CNP’s planning expert Ruth Chambers said: "This development is an acid test of the Government’s commitment to National Parks. CNP is calling for a public inquiry to ensure that the claimed need for this proposal is rigorously examined and that all alternatives are fully explored".

"This development would be one of the biggest port developments in Europe and would also have a direct impact on an internationally important wildlife site3. The Government has said that major developments that affect National Parks and the New Forest should only take place in exceptional circumstances which do not exist in this case".

Notes to editors

1  In September 1999 the Government announced that it would like to see National Park status for the New Forest. The Countryside Agency (the Government’s statutory adviser on National Parks) started the designation process in October. The proposed development includes part of the New Forest Heritage Area, which enjoys planning status equivalent to a National Park.

2  The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

3  The proposed development would have a direct impact on the nature conservation interest of Southampton Water, which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.

4  Associated British Ports will be submitting formal plans to the DETR on 29 September. These will take the form of a Harbour Revision Order, Transport and Works Order (both to be accompanied by Environmental Statements), a ‘stopping-up’ Order (relating to roads affecting the site) and a planning application to New Forest District Council.

5  Notices will appear in the press inviting early comments on all aspects of ABP’s submission with a period allowed for this of 42 days. The Secretary of State may decide to call in the application and order a Public Inquiry. The DETR estimates that any such Inquiry will be likely to begin around Easter 2001 and will last from nine to twelve months.

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222